An environmental campaigner has raised concerns about the handling of the proposed hotel development on Assomption Island. The comments come from Victoria Duthil, a paid member of Friends of Aldabra, an environmental movement.
Ms Duthil said there has been a series of announcements, press conferences and new structures linked to the project. She noted that terms such as “commission of inquiry”, “biodiversity assessment” and “special task force” are now being widely used. However, she questioned what these developments mean in practice.
Speaking after a press conference held on Monday 2 February by the Assomption Island Task Force, Ms Duthil said: “We’re seeing a lot of new names and structures, but not necessarily new ways of doing things.”
She referred to the stop notice that was expected to freeze all construction until the Assomption Inquiry released its findings. She said the inquiry aims to examine the project and identify any breaches of contract or environmental wrongdoing. It will also guide future decisions about the island.
However, Ms Duthil said the government may lift parts of the stop notice before the inquiry concludes. This, she said, could allow some construction to resume. She added: “The government seems to be working hand in hand with the developers, helping them meet environmental requirements that should have been met before construction started.”
Ms Duthil questioned why authorities would not wait for the inquiry’s findings before taking further steps. She also raised concerns about the biodiversity assessment, which the Seychelles Islands Foundation (SIF) is managing.
“SIF is a public trust established to safeguard Aldabra Atoll,” she said. “They were considering legal action against this development, but then changed their position.”
She further argued that conducting a biodiversity assessment while construction continues is “scientifically unsound”. She also criticised the composition of the Assomption Island Task Force. Ms Duthil said it includes the same people and institutions previously involved in the project. According to her, requests for more independent voices have been made to the government.
The government said at last week’s press conference that it has not taken a final decision on the hotel development. However, Ms Duthil said authorities are allowing developers to return to the island and continue investing in the project.
“Why would developers invest more if they did not have assurances?” she asked.The government has previously said the inquiry will guide decisions on the future of the Assumption Island development.